[jim420]

In this auction:

P-(P)-P-(1NT), P-(2♣)-P-(2♦), X

what's this double suppose to mean?

[ralph23]

Eddie Kantar calls it a "lead reminding double" ... the ♦ doubler of the artificial ♦ bid is reminding himself to lead a diamond against the eventual NT contract.

OK seriously though ... the doubler is going to be on opening lead, so it's not a lead directing double. He obviously has good ♦ but (1) does he want partner to bid 3♦ over 2NT (although he had a chance to overcall 2♦ and didn't do it...); or (2) run the risk of getting passed or even redoubled? Remember, responder can have a near opening hand. If the doubler has some points (not enough to open of course) and a near-opening hand, how much does he think his partner can have??? Right ... partner is broke.

IMHO, it serves no purpose, is dangerous, and just gives away information to declarer for no good end.

If anyone uses this conventionally I would be interested to know, but I'll be mystified why the doubler didn't act sooner if he's got something to say.....

[jtfanclub]

ralph23, on Jul 24 2007, 10:11 AM, said:

If anyone uses this conventionally I would be interested to know, but I'll be mystified why the doubler didn't act sooner if he's got something to say.....

I use it to mean "I have good diamonds, but I'm not going to lead them". Maybe I have KJ8xx in diamonds and JT98 in hearts, so I'm going to lead hearts but want diamonds back so I can lead hearts again or something.

The only other use I can think of is with shortness in a major. The way I play it:

1NT P 2♣ P
2♦ P 2♠ P

Show 5 spades, 4 hearts, nonforcing. If I have a spade void, I may be predicting that's how the auction will continue.

[helene_t]

Agree with jtfanclub. They had the same discussion in the Dutch BF magazines "Ladderpuzzel" (like MSC) and that was the concensus.